Sony has made the decision to permanently shutdown the PlayStation 4 servers for the puzzle platformer game LittleBigPlanet 3 due to ongoing technical issues. This move comes after the servers were temporarily taken offline in January 2024. Fans are now concerned that countless player creations stored on the servers may be lost forever, as access to these creations is no longer available. The game’s offline features will still be accessible, but user-generated content stored locally cannot be shared or accessed.
LittleBigPlanet 3, released in 2014, was praised for its innovative gameplay that allowed players to design their own platforming levels. However, with the closure of the servers, players will no longer be able to access the majority of user-generated content that was stored on Sony’s servers. This decision has left long-time players feeling disappointed and worried about the loss of iconic levels and creations that have been a part of the game for years. The shutdown also reflects a wider trend in the gaming industry, with other companies like Nintendo and Ubisoft also retiring online services for older games.
The news of the permanent shutdown has had a significant impact on the LittleBigPlanet community, with many expressing their sadness and disappointment on social media platforms. Community manager Steven Isbell has assured players that he is available to listen to their feedback and concerns during this transition. The closure of the servers serves as a reminder of the impermanence of digital content and the challenges faced by gaming companies in maintaining online services for older titles.